A magazine and a system for locking a firearm

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a magazine holding ammunition and electronic components arranged to be locked/unlocked biometrically or by radio signal, the magazine comprising a housing having a capacity for holding both a column of cartridges and electronic components. The housing being dimensioned to be insertable into a standard firearm without requiring any modification of the firearm. Further, the magazine includes an assembly for preventing the charging of the firearm by a mechanical element extending longitudinally outside of the housing or a cartridge barrier element preventing cartridges exiting the magazine housing; and manually or electro-mechanic actuating means for pulling/pushing the mechanical elements in response to a received radio signal, or biometrically released; and electronic means in the housing for processing incoming radio signals for actuating all means and a mobile power supply attached to the housing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to securing firearms from misuse.

More particularly, the invention provides a remotely controlled locking/unlocking system to reduce the possibilities of misuse of handguns either by adults or by children.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While the locking of a weapon such as a handgun is not particularly difficult, there is also a requirement that the weapon must be available for immediate use by an authorized person, often at an unexpected moment. As a general rule it is desirable that the weapon should be operateable only in the hands of a person authorized to do so, and only during the time period when said person is on duty. However during this time period the weapon must be ready for use within a few seconds of the moment that a security threat is determined justifying firing the weapon.

Today pistols and rifles are widely distributed among security guards for buildings and for protecting VIPs and groups of travelers. Some armed guards, typically employed by private security companies, are not resistant to the temptation to employ their weapon outside the time, the place and the scope of their defined duty. Such criminal actions are difficult to counter, because the guard, if challenged, will display a valid license for possession of the weapon. As any law-abiding guard, after completion of duty the guard will take the weapon home to be conveniently available for the next days' duty stint.

In a previous disclosure, U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,450 issued May 29, 2007 the present inventors claimed a firearm magazine which held no ammunition and which blocked the weapon and could be removed only by a person whose fingerprint matched the fingerprint of the person authorized to use the weapon. Thus as long as said blocking magazine was in place no unauthorized person could use the weapon and there was no danger of children being able to fire same.

However recently news reports have shown an alarming rise in crimes committed with handguns which were being misused by the very person authorized to carry the weapon, in some cases for the purpose of “settling” family or business related disputes. A brief review of patents issued after the '450 patent makes clear that no solution has yet been found to prevent or even limit such actions and/or to enable a controlling authority to know the whereabouts of each handgun and to be warned if such weapon is carried to a location outside the area authorized therefor.

With regard to the prior art, reference is made to the following US Patents which have been issued since our previous patent was published. Theses designs refer to weapons which are not ready for immediate use or require modification of the firearm for implementation. These designs also are not or cannot be arranged for remote control. These designs also do not relate to the problem of limiting the use of the weapon by the authorized user him/herself.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,345 McGarry claims a pistol, a magazine and a blocking member, wherein removal of the magazine activates the blocking member and prevents use of the firing pin. An actuator may be used to disengage the blocking member after the magazine is reinserted.

Bubits in Patent 7,568,3092 proposes a locking body to be inserted into the magazine receiving space, the locking body having an eccentric element engaging a catch in the pistol.

Schaefer prefers to block the slide ejection port of the firearm in U.S. Pat. No. 7,543,403. A lock is rotatably connected bottom end of the magazine housing.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,240,449 (Patent Application 20050115132) Clifton Jr claims a magazine which blocks the charging handle.

In US Patent Application 20020069570 Lee discloses a handgun in which the spring-loaded slide is replaced by an electric motor, which requires entry of an access code to allow use of the weapon. When not in use the magazine is removed and the motor drives the slide rearwards.

The design proposed by Abad in US Patent Application 20020162265 is limited to breech-load and revolver-type weapons. A shackle lock is inserted in the weapon preventing loading therein of a magazine.

A novel idea is disclosed by Aske in Patent Application 20040211103 wherein the first cartridge in line to be fired is a safety cartridge which, if fired, jams the weapon. The owner of the weapon may operate same by first ejecting the safety cartridge to allow firing.

In 20080120888 Matyko et al. describe a lock including a blocking member extending from the upward portion of a magazine insertion member.

None of the prior art designs limit the use of the weapon by the person who is authorized to use same.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to obviate the limitations of the prior art and to provide a magazine which can be locked to remotely limit use by the person to whom the weapon was issued.

It is a further object of the present invention to achieve this without requiring any modification of the weapon.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to achieve this while allowing immediate use of the weapon when used in a legal manner, while locking the weapon in circumstances indicating that the user will use the weapon in an unauthorized place or time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention achieves the above objects by providing a magazine holding ammunition and electronic components arranged to be locked/unlocked biometrically or by a radio signal, said magazine comprising

-   -   a housing having a capacity for holding both a column of         cartridges and electronic components, said housing being         dimensioned to be insertable into a standard firearm without         requiring any modification of said firearm;     -   an assembly for preventing the charging of the firearm         comprising:     -   a mechanical element extending longitudinally outside said         housing having a first state in which said element is rigidly         locked to project into the path of the firearm cocking         mechanism, sometimes referred to as the arming or charging         mechanism, and having a second state wherein said element can be         pushed at least partially out of the path of said cocking         mechanism to allow said firearm to be operated;     -   or a cartridge barrier element preventing cartridges exiting         said magazine housing when said cartridge barrier is in its         first state and releasing cartridges from said magazine when         said barrier is in its second state to allow said firearm to be         operated;     -   manually or electro-mechanic actuating means for pull/pushing         said mechanical element in response to a received radio signal,         or biometrically released;     -   a mechanical member extending laterally outside said housing         having a first state in which said member is electronically         locked to project into a cavity of said firearm, said projection         being in an outward-extending position when said magazine is in         a locked position thereby preventing removal of said magazine,         and being electronically unlocked by a radio signal or         biometrically released to allow said magazine to be removed from         said firearm;     -   actuating means arranged to at least indirectly cause         locking/unlocking of both said first and said second mechanical         elements;     -   a switching element operationally connected to said actuating         means;     -   biometrically released or radio receiving means connected to         said housing for receiving a radio signal;     -   electronic means in said housing for at least processing said         incoming radio signal or biometric released and causing said         switching element to power/cut-off power to said actuating         means; and     -   a mobile power supply attached to said housing.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine further including a radio transmitter arranged to send an outgoing signal to said remote controller when said mechanical element is moved into said second position, whether such movement was generated by said actuating means or from an action taken by any person holding said firearm, said outgoing signal including elements allowing the identification of the specific magazine generating said outgoing signal.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine wherein said housing is dimensioned to replace a standard magazine holding cartridges stacked in a staggered column.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine wherein said magazine is internally divided into a first and a second compartment, said first compartment holding a column of cartridges and said second compartment holding said electronic and radio components said power supply and associated components.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine wherein said actuating means is an electric motor.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine wherein said radio signals used for communicating with a remote source have a format conforming to a commercially-established standard wireless technology.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine wherein said magazine is internally divided into a first and a second compartment, said first compartment holding a column of cartridges and said second compartment holding said electronic and radio components said power supply and associated components.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine wherein said actuating means is an electric motor.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine wherein said radio signals used for communicating with a remote source have a format conforming to a commercially-established standard wireless technology.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine wherein said second mechanical element is locked laterally outside said housing by a screw mechanism driven by a miniature electric motor.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine further having a “low battery” warning device attached to said housing.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine wherein said actuating means is a solenoid.

The invention also includes a firearm fitted with a magazine as described above.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a system for the remote control of at least one magazine, said system comprising at least one magazine and including a remote controller able to generate radio signals to be received by said radio receiving means of any specific selected magazine in its range and to be understood as a lock/unlock command by said electronic means carried in said magazine housing.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a system for the remote control of at least one magazine wherein a relock signal is automatically generated by said in response to said remote controller detecting that said magazine has been moved to a location outside a predefined location, or that a previously-defined time period allowing use of the weapon has expired.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magazine for use of a pre-specified person only, provided with a receiver pad for receiving biometric data, said data when received being transmitted to an electronic comparison circuit in said housing, electronic means being provided to store preprogrammed biometric data relating to said specified person, and if said comparison circuit determines that the new data matches said preprogrammed data, generating a signal causing unlocking of said magazine, where after said magazine may be relocked in response to receipt of a radio signal generated from a remote source.

It will thus be realized that the novel device of the present invention serves to limit use of the weapon to a time and place authorized for its use. While there is no way of completely preventing a person who has been given a weapon for guard duty or self defense from misusing the weapon which in the line of duty must be ready for use within a few seconds, much can be achieved if the weapon can be locked in circumstances indicating imminent misuse.

The invention provides a capacity for indicating that the weapon has been taken out of its authorized area. This could happen as a result of theft or as a deliberate decision by the guard to go to a place where he wishes to “settle accounts”.

It should be noted that radio control of the weapon is useful not only for remote control but also by a supervising officer who may tour the sites where guars in the employ of his company are stationed. If for example the supervisor suspects that a guard is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, he/she is likely to lock the weapon on site even without confronting the offender.

The invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent by example preferred embodiments of the invention. Structural details are shown only as far as necessary for a fundamental understanding thereof. The described examples, together with the drawings, will make apparent to those skilled in the art how further forms of the invention may be realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the magazine according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of the same embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of an embodiment in two-way communication with a controller;

FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 but provided with a GPS link;

FIG. 5 is a sectional elevational view of an embodiment with locking means to the firearm driven by an electric motor;

FIGS. 6a and 6b are views of a solenoid driven embodiment for locking the upper projection;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a pistol carrying a magazine according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a system for controlling multiple magazines, and

FIG. 9 is a fragmented sectional view of an embodiment unlockable by inputting biometric data.

FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There is seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 a magazine 10 holding cartridges 12 and electronic components to be described hereinafter. The magazine 10 may be locked/unlocked by a radio signal 14, either from a remote control station or from nearby, such as a supervising officer on site.

Two locking mechanisms for the magazine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The magazine 10 is provided with a housing 22 having a capacity for holding both a column of cartridges 12 and the electronic components 24 which control the magazine. The housing 22 is dimensioned to be insertable into a standard firearm 20 (seen in FIG. 7) without requiring any modification thereof. This is important not only to ease usage of the magazine 10 but also because any modification of the firearm, such as drilling a hole therein, will cancel the manufacturer's guarantee thereof.

The housing 22 illustrated is dimensioned to replace a standard magazine holding cartridges stacked in a staggered column Space for the electronic components 24 is provided by arranging the cartridges 12 in a narrow straight column 26.

The cartridges 12 and electronic components 24 are kept apart from each other in the housing 22 by an internal divider 28 forming a first and a second compartment 30, 32. The first compartment 30 holds a column 26 of cartridges 12. The second compartment holds the electronic components 24, radio components 34 and the power supply 36.

The firearm 20 (seen in FIG. 7) is prevented from firing because its cocking mechanism is obstructed by a mechanical element 38 extending longitudinally outside the open face 40 of the housing 22. In a first state the said element 38 is rigidly locked and projects beyond the open face 40 of the housing 22 into the path 42 of the firearm cocking mechanism, sometimes referred to as the arming or charging mechanism, thus preventing use of the firearm. Alternatively a cartridge barrier 44 is provided preventing cartridges 12 exiting through the open face 40 when the first element in its first state

In a second state, unlocked, which is seen in the present two figures, the said element 38 is temporarily pushed at least partially into the housing 22 out of the path 42 of the cocking mechanism. A spring-loaded cartridge pusher 64 raises the cartridges while the leading cartridge 12 passes through the open face 40 and enters the firing chamber to allow the firearm to be operated.

Further, there is provided a mechanical member 46 extending bolt-like laterally outside the housing 22 to project into the magazine catch (not seen) of the firearm, which prevents inadvertent disengagement of the magazine 10 from the firearm. In a first state the member 46 is electronically locked in which state the magazine 10 is locked and cannot be removed from the firearm. In this state not only does the present magazine become unusable but also it is impossible to insert any alternative magazine into the firearm.

The magazine 10 can be freed only by receiving a radio signal 14, which can be sent only by an authorized person. When the cartridge is in this freed second state a cocking action is possible and this will release a cartridge 12 from the magazine 10 into the firing chamber;

FIGS. 5 and 6 will describe examples of actuating means such as a motor 50 or solenoid 108 for locking the magazine.

A switching element 48 such as a transistor is operationally connected between the battery 36 and the electro-magnetic actuating means 50, 108 seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. The switching element 48 is commanded electronically by a circuit including radio receiving means 34 for a radio signal 14, the signal 14 being usually configured for receipt by only one predetermined magazine 10. It is of course possible to arrange several magazines 10 to be controlled by one signal 14 if this is appropriate.

Advantageously the radio signal 14 has a format conforming to a commercially-established standard wireless technology, for example Bluetooth or WiFi.

Electronic means 54 are provided for processing the incoming radio signal 14 and commanding the switching element 48 to power/cut-off power to the actuating means 50, 108 seen in FIGS. 5 and 6.

A mobile power supply inside the housing, such as an electric storage battery 56 is included in the housing 22 to provide the needed power.

Preferably a “low battery” warning device 58 is attached to the housing 22 in a position where it is visible also after the magazine 10 has been inserted into a firearm. Further indicators may be added, such as status indicators 56, out-of-range warning 60 and out-of-time indicators 62.

With reference to the rest of the figures, similar reference numerals have been used to identify similar parts.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a magazine 66 further provided with a radio transmitter 68 arranged to also send an outgoing signal 70 to a remote controller 72. Such signal 70 can notify a controller that the mechanical element 38 has been moved into its second position, i.e. it is unlocked. Notification is received whether such movement was generated by the actuating means as commanded by radio wave 14, or resulted from an unauthorized action taken by any person holding the firearm. The signal 70 includes elements allowing the identification of the specific magazine generating this signal.

Seen in FIG. 4 is a representation of a magazine 74 similar to the magazine 66 seen in FIG. 3 wherein the electronic components include a GPS (Global Positioning System) component 76. The GPS component 76 periodically allows a remote controller to receive data for displaying the location of the magazine 74. Thus the controlling person is immediately warned if the magazine 74 is being moved outside a predefined area, and the controller can immediately lock the magazine 74 to prevent its misuse.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is depicted a magazine 78 seen in the first locked state. The firearm 20 (seen in FIG. 7) is prevented from firing because the path 42 of the cocking mechanism is obstructed by the first mechanical element 38 extending longitudinally outside the open face 40 of the housing 22.

The electro-magnetic actuator is a bi-directional electric motor 50.

In the present embodiment the second mechanical element 46 is a spring-loaded horizontal-axis bolt member, extended laterally outside the housing 22. An internally-threaded lock pin 82 is arranged to be free to move axially but is restrained from revolution. The lock pin 82 has been axially pushed into a recess 84 in the element 46 because the motor 50 has revolved an externally threaded member 86 entering the lock pin 82. The resulting upward movement of the lock pin 82 prevents withdrawal of the element 46, and thus prevents withdrawal of the magazine 78 from the firearm seen in FIG. 7.

The magazine 78 is unlocked by a radio signal 14 which is processed by the electronic components 24 to command the motor 50 to operate in the opposite direction.

In the present embodiment there is provided a power-saving switch 80 which cuts power to those electronic circuits which are not needed for the receipt or transmission of radio signals. Finger pressure on a push rod 90 returns power to all required circuits of the electronic components 24.

FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a mechanism useful for locking/unlocking the first mechanical element 38 which extends longitudinally outside the open face 40 of the housing 22.

A 2 bar toggle mechanism 92, 94 is pin-hinged to the housing 22 at 96, and pin hinged to a stop member at 98. The stop member 98 is pinned to the housing 22 at 100, and in the locked position seen in FIG. 6a the stop member enters a recess 112 in the element 38. The stop member 98 thus prevents any downward movement of the element 38 and may be safely retained in the locked state by a light spring 102. In this state, seen in FIG. 6 a, the element 38 is rigidly locked and projects beyond the open face 40 of the housing 22 into the path 42 of the firearm cocking mechanism, thus preventing use of the firearm. The drawing also shows a housing pin 104 guiding the element 38 by means of a slot 106 in the element 38

When an “UNLOCK” command is to be executed a pull-push solenoid 108 is powered to push the joint 106 upwards, thereby withdrawing the stop member 98 from recess 112 and allowing the mechanical element 38 to move downwards out of the path 42 of the cocking mechanism as seen in FIG. 6b .The element 38 is now free to move downwards away from the path 42 of the firearm cocking mechanism thus allowing use of the firearm.

With regard to the locked position, this will be retained even after power to the solenoid 108 has been cut off.

Seen in FIG. 7 illustrates is a firearm 20 fitted with a magazine 10 as described with reference to FIG. 1. The magazine 10 fits a standard firearm 20, for example a pistol as seen in the present figure, without requiring any modification thereof. The firearm 20 is seen in its locked state.

Represented in FIG. 8 is a remote control system 120 for several magazines 74 as described with reference to FIG. 4. The system 120 is part of the present invention.

A remote controller 122 is arranged to lock/unlock any or all magazines 74. The controller 122 is arranged to generate radio signals 70 to be received by the radio receiving means of any specific selected magazine in its range and to be understood as a lock/unlock command by the electronic means carried in the magazine housing. The magazines 74 generate radio signals 14 which provide data including the location of the magazine 74.

In a preferred embodiment of the system 120 which is shown diagrammatically in the figure a LOCK signal 70 is automatically generated by the remote controller 122 in response to the remote controller 122 having determined that one of the magazines 74 a has been moved to a location 124 outside a predefined authorized area 126. Furthermore the controller 122 may be activated by a timer 128 so that when a previously-defined time period allowing use of the magazine 74 has expired, for example after completion of the night shift of a security guard, the magazine 74 is automatically locked by a radio signal.

In some circumstances it may be desirable to allow unlocking of the magazine when required for use by an authorized person. FIG. 9 indicates such an embodiment of the magazine 130 serving this purpose. The upper portion of the magazine is not shown because it is the same as the embodiment seen in FIG. 1. In the lower portion of the magazine seen in the drawing the authorized person uses a receiver pad 132 for entering biometric data, such as a fingerprint. An electronic memory circuit 134 is provided to store preprogrammed biometric data relating to the specified person. If a comparison circuit 136 determines that the new data matches the preprogrammed data, a signal 138 is generated causing unlocking of the magazine 130

Thereafter the magazine 130 may be relocked in response to receipt of a further radio signal 140.

The scope of the described invention is intended to include all embodiments coming within the meaning of the following claims. The foregoing examples illustrate useful forms of the invention, but are not to be considered as limiting its scope, as those skilled in the art will be aware that additional variants and modifications of the invention can readily be formulated without departing from the meaning of the following claims. 

1. A magazine holding ammunition and electronic components arranged to be locked/unlocked biometrically or by a radio signal, said magazine comprising a housing having a capacity for holding both a column of cartridges and electronic components, said housing being dimensioned to be insertable into a standard firearm without requiring any modification of said firearm; an assembly for preventing charging the firearm comprising: a mechanical element extending longitudinally outside said housing having a first state in which said element is rigidly locked to project into the path of the firearm cocking mechanism, sometimes referred to as the arming or charging mechanism, and having a second state wherein said element can be pushed at least partially out of the path of said cocking mechanism to allow said firearm to be operated; or a cartridge barrier preventing cartridges exiting said magazine housing when said cartridge barrier is in its first state and releasing cartridges from said magazine when said barrier is in its second state to allow said firearm to be operated; manually or electro-mechanic actuating means for pull/pushing said mechanical element in response to a received radio signal, or biometrically released; a mechanical member extending laterally outside said housing having a first state in which said member is electronically locked to project into a cavity of said firearm, said projection being in an outward-extending position when said magazine is in a locked position thereby preventing removal of said magazine, and being electronically unlocked by a radio signal or biometrically released to allow said magazine to be removed from said firearm; actuating means arranged to at least indirectly cause locking/unlocking of both said first and said second mechanical elements; a switching element operationally connected to said actuating means; biometrically released or radio receiving means connected to said housing for receiving a radio signal; electronic means in said housing for at least processing said incoming radio signal or biometric released and causing said switching element to power/cut-off power to said actuating means; and a mobile power supply attached to said housing.
 2. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, further provided with a radio transmitter arranged to send an outgoing signal to said remote controller when said mechanical element is moved into said second position, whether such movement was generated by said actuating means or from an action taken by any person holding said firearm, said outgoing signal including elements allowing the identification of the specific magazine generating said outgoing signal.
 3. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic components include a GPS (Global Positioning System) component to enable a remote controller to receive data for displaying the location of said magazine.
 4. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing is dimensioned to replace a standard magazine holding cartridges stacked in a staggered column.
 5. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said magazine is internally divided into a first and a second compartment, said first compartment holding a column of cartridges and said second compartment holding said electronic and radio components said power supply and associated components.
 6. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating means is an electric motor.
 7. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said radio signals used for communicating with a remote source have a format conforming to a commercially-established standard wireless technology.
 8. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second mechanical element is locked laterally outside said housing by a screw mechanism driven by a miniature electric motor.
 9. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, further provided with a “low battery” warning device attached to said housing.
 10. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating means is a solenoid.
 11. A firearm fitted with a magazine as claimed in claim
 1. 12. A system for the remote control of at least one magazine, said system comprising at least one magazine as claimed in claim 1 and includes a remote controller able to generate radio signals to be received by said radio receiving means of any specific selected magazine in its range and to be understood as a lock/unlock command by said electronic means carried in said magazine housing.
 13. A system for the remote control of at least one magazine as claimed in claim 12, wherein a relock signal is automatically generated by said remote system in response to said remote controller detecting that said magazine has been moved to a location outside a predefined location, or that a previously-defined time period allowing use of the weapon has expired.
 14. A magazine for use of a pre-specified person only, provided with a receiver pad for receiving biometric data, said data when received being transmitted to an electronic comparison circuit in said housing, electronic means being provided to store preprogrammed biometric data relating to said specified person, and if said comparison circuit determines that the new data matches said preprogrammed data, generating a signal causing unlocking of said magazine, where after said magazine may be relocked in response to receipt of a radio signal generated from a remote source. 